Home Sweet Home

After ten lovely, ridiculously hot days in La Cala, Spain, I've returned home, slightly more bronzed than when I left.  I had such an amazing time with two of my girlfriends and I wanted to share with you what I got up to - and also to write down all my memories so that I can look back in a few months and remember myself! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (both @NickiShepShep) you would have seen my pictures along the way of what I got up to.

After a tedious morning of packing we left for the airport and luckily our flight was on time with no delays.  We had a quick mooch around the airport, mainly seeking food (Gatwick needed to invest in a McDonalds!) and set of for Spain.  Whilst we were waiting to board our flight, I noticed Lauren Pope and Chloe Sims of TOWIE fame arriving from Marbella.  After two or so hours, we touched down in Malaga.  I don't know about you, but I know when I'm holiday when I walk out of the plane and am hit by a wall of humidity.  We arrived at my friends house at about midnight and ended up in bed at around 4am.

The first day we all got our nails done, I had acrylics put on so I wouldn't have to worry about re-painting them. We then laid out by the pool for the rest of the afternoon before heading out for cocktails in the evening.  We went to a bar/restaurant on the beach which was lovely, although it was a little windy.  They did good Pina Colada's.

 

On the Thursday, we opted for a change of scenery and went to the beach. It was HOT, about 37 degrees in fact.  After plucking up the courage (and also melting in the heat) I decided to go into the water with one of the girls. The waves were ridiculously strong and I managed to loose my beloved Ray Bans whilst being thrashed about.  Needless to say I wasn't happy, but these things happen.  We planned on popping to the shopping mall the next evening so I could get another pair.  

Low and behold my new sunglasses - I WONT be loosing these babies.  I prefer them to my original pair - the old pair, lost at sea, were candy striped and were difficult to pair with outfits at times.  These are classic tortoise shell and will go with everything and anything.  I also feel that the lenses are a lot stronger, blocking out more sunlight.  After an expensive shopping trip, we headed into Puerto Banus for dinner and drinks. We all wore heels, which I soon realised was a bad idea.  I had gotten a blister on the ball of my foot and it made it impossible to walk in the pretty heels I'd bought for the holiday.  I'm still undecided about what to do with them! I know a certain someone will be reading this shouting 'SELL THEM NICOLA' at the screen.  At least I got them in some pictures.  

We went onto a cocktail bar after dinner called 'Astral' which was shaped like a pirate ship (they even had neon green swords in the fruit) - pretty cool.  The cocktails were incredible.  They had your five a day pilled on top and the drinks were lovely.  I had a Pina Colada which was delicious - if not a little heavy!

Saturday was an exciting day. We were invited to spend the day at my friends, friends fathers five star hotel (trying saying that after a few cocktails from Astral!), El Oceano.  We were treated to some beds and cocktails by the pool and we were also in the presence of celebrity - well, Riley from Hollyoaks turned up for a few drinks and a swim.  I totally regret not asking for a photo now, but he's now following me on Twitter (bonus!)

I also found out that just outside of the hotel is where The Saturdays filmed their 'Missing You' music video and because I'm in love with them, I took a photo of the rocks... 

On Sunday, we had a chilled out day. We grabbed lunch on the Port of Cabopino, and after we took a stroll along the beach, before returning to where we were staying and heading out for the pool.  We enjoyed another lazy day by the pool Monday, resting up for Tuesday when we went to Morocco for a day trip.  

I was pretty astonished when we arrived at Andalucia to get the Ferry over. Africa seemed only five minutes away, you could see it so clearly.  After a 35 minute ferry ride (and a nap as we had to get up rather early) we were in Morocco.  The tour guide took us on a coach. First stop was for camel rides, although I must admit I was too chicken to get on one (a smart move on my part I think, as my friend nearly had one run away with her!) 

The second stop was in Tangier, where we hopped off the coach and went on a walking tour.  One of the first things we saw were snake charmers, which scared me - I'm extremely scared of snakes and the fact that there was a Cobra in front of me, didn't help this fear!

We then ate a traditional Moroccan lunch which consisted of soup, shish kabob, chicken and cous cous, as well as mint tea and some pastry smothered in a syrup.  I was surprised I ate any of it! After lunch, we made our way to the shops and we ended up in a Moroccan pharmacy, where I bought some argan oil among other things.  When we got back to Spain, we grabbed a traditional Spanish meal - McDonalds (we'd been craving it since the airport). 

 Wednesday was another chilled day at the pool, mostly tanning and reading Fifty Shades of Grey, which is an amazing book (so far anyway). On Thursday we ventured out to the shopping mall and I went shopping in Sephora.  I was like a kid in the candy shop, needless to say I spent a lot!  I mainly brought MUFE products, but some other products also ended up in my basket too.  Keep an eye out for my Spanish haul in the next few days.  

Our last day was spent soaking up as many rays as possible - which I must admit left me a bit pink (oops).  Our journey home was a bit manic, we were delayed and ended up getting home at about 3am which wasn't fun! I did however come home to two parcels, one from Amazon with One Tree Hill season 9 to complete my collection (boxsets are just like beauty products to me!) and another containing a new Nikon S3300 camera, which I won via Revlon's Facebook - bonus!

 I had an amazing time and wish I could go back again next week! A massive thanks has to go out to my friends mum for letting us stay with us - it was the best holiday I've had in a while!

What have you been up to since I've been away? It feels like an eternity since I last sat and blogged!

Belle of the Ball: Kate Middleton

I know, I know, where have I been?! I haven't found the time to post in the past week due to finishing work for university, then finishing uni for the year, coming down with girl flu (the ladies alternative to man flu), seeing The Saturdays (SO GOOD), my mothers 60th birthday surprise and I also lost my voice completely...  With all that behind me I've finally been able to come back to my blog and I've missed you all so much! 

Last night was The Sun's 'Millies' aka The Military Awards which was a star studded event to celebrate the British soldiers and all that they do for us.  There were many a star including Amy Childs, Peter Andre, Little Mix and Lydia with her Beau Arg from TOWIE.  As well as all of the celebrities, the soldiers being honoured were rubbing shoulders with Prince Harry, Prince William and of course Kate Middleton who wore a velvet noir fishtail number by McQueen.  

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I've become smitten with our Duchess and her British style.  I thought she looked stunning, the dress hugged her (ever fading) figure, her hair was tousled as per and her make up seemed to be slightly softer than her usual hard liner.  Kate accessorised her dress with a matching black velvet clutch, ruby and white diamond necklace and bracelet combo as well as her mother-in-laws engagement ring.  

This has certainly been her year and I wonder whether our obsession with Wills and Kate will continue in 2012.  What do you think of her look?  You can watch The Sun's Military Awards tomorrow night (Wednesday 21st) on ITV1 at 8.30pm.  

Nail It

Last month saw my faves The Saturdays launch their nail polish range at the Sanctum Soho Hotel.  Yesterday, they were finally available in Superdrug stores and were on a 3 for 2 offer.  I picked up three, Mollie's Purple Me Up, Una's Ego Green and Frankie's Notorious Silver plus the magnet which gives the nails that wave effect.  

I decided to try Mollies first and was surprised at how easy it was.  The nail polish dried quickly which was an added bonus, and the magnet has a ridge which you sit on your cuticle, allowing the magnet to work without smudging your nails.  

I really like the finished effect, it's far better than the Barry M crackle polish, which I just think looks horrible.  

What do you think? Will you be popping down to a Superdrug near you?  I'm definitely going back to pick up Rochelle's and Vanessa's tomorrow!

Topshop Lust List

Every time pay day looms, my web browser miraculously puts me onto Topshop.com and I'm left wanting EVERYTHING.  Having to budget in order to save up for Christmas presents and also seeing The Saturdays in December (SO excited, obvs), screen shopping isn't a good idea, but what the hell... 

£20

These are amazing! Prints are big news this season and I think this would look great with an oversized top and chunky cardi on top.  

£16

I live in these types of tops all year round and these come in all sorts of colours.  £16 isn't a bad price for Topshop, although I still think it's a bit pricey.  

£28

I've been lusting after these for a while and as they are always out of stock, I think the next time I see them I will just have to buy them! These are great during the day or for a night out when you don't want to be wearing gigantic heels (i'll always wear heels though...)

£30

This is a bit of a festive number but i'm loving velvet at the moment.  This would look nice layered up with a chunky aran knit cardi and chelsea boots.  The dress also comes in a gorgeous navy colour.

£45

I was originally drawn to this skirt, thinking it was one of mullet persuasion (have no idea what i'm going on about, read my blog on mullet dresses here).  I was a bit disappointed when I realised it wasn't but thought it would still look cool with a chunky jumper and slippers with a few accessories.  

So those are a few of my Topshop lustings, have you got any you want to share with me? 

I've just received a gorgeous chunky knit cardigan from Joe Browns which i'll be telling you all about later this week! If you follow me on twitter you might have seen a sneak peak already! 

Here's the song of my week (no it's not The Saturdays but it's One Tree Hill related...)

"We are people who want to play dress-up all day."

I've been at Tesco all day today, and I cannot tell you how good it felt when 6.30pm came round.  I thought I'd write a quick update post as I've been asked a few things on Twitter regarding my new username.  

The lovely Katie Piper in our showroom a few weeks back. 

As you all know, for the past 11 weeks I have been interning for Push PR and I was due to start my last week on Monday *shivers at the thought*. Well I had a very exciting talk with the Director of Push PR and was asked if I would stay on as part of the team whilst at University.  Of course I jumped at the opportunity, if anyone had told me at the beginning of all this that I would end up as an Online PR Executive, I would have said "yeah, and pigs will fly too".  With this change, came a new twitter username so if you wonder who @PushPRNicola is - it's me! *waves*  I'm really excited to see where Push PR will take me, but I will continue writing no matter what.  

If you have read my blog from the start, you'll also know that I love The Saturdays.  After watching their latest music video for All Fired Up (above), I became more obsessed with Mollie Kings hair.  It's SO blonde.  I've been due to get my hair done for a while now, but with Push and Tesco, I just haven't had the time.  I took the plunge and booked a cut and colour - but this time I'm going for an all over colour instead of my standard highlights.  I cannie wait to show you my hair once it is as bright as the sun! 

I start back at university in a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to it.  For one, we wont be first years any more and for two we have some exciting modules, including Catwalk Reports and Feature Writing.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!  

Student loans arrived and it's burning a hole through my pocket...

It's that time again, when christmas comes early for students in the form of a gorgeous wad of cash in our bank accounts.  Now, I was due to give most of it to my parents, but I found that I'd pretty much paid off my Macbook Pro, leaving me with a nice little amount in my bank account, to spend until payday next Friday.  Already, I have run up the road and booked myself a cut and blow dry as my hair in in dyer need of a trim.  I'm getting it re-styled, although it wont be anything dramatic.  If you didn't see my hair ideas post then this is what I'm going for:

Let's call it 'The King'

It wont be a drastic change but I love the cut!  

ALSO, check out Mollie's hottie of a boyfriend:

I wont lie, i'm pretty jel.  Anyway, back on topic now girls...

I'm getting my hair feathered (sounds like something dangerous!) next Friday, so I wanted it cut before.  Of course I've been screen shopping (window shopping of the online world for those of you wondering).  I've found this dress on ASOS:

Lipsy; £48.00

How cute is that?! I'm thinking pair it with a denim jacket for a casual day look, and perhaps a biker jacket to switch it up for night.  I love the gorgeous lace detailing and of course, the peter pan collar!

On my travels across the net I also found the Urban Decay Naked Palette, IN STOCK, which I've been wanting for a very long time.  I have agreed with myself (with the aid of my Twitter peeps + loyal best friend), that I will purchase it tomorrow, if I pass my driving test as a treat.  I have to pass tomorrow, it's my fourth test now!  Plus, me and my parents found a really pretty car today which would be perfect.  Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me, if I pass there will be a MAC giveaway - more on that tomorrow (hopefully).  

Also, I know I will buy this palette if I fail, i'm useless like that...

In other events, expect a short haul by the end of the week!  I have purchased a few beauty items and I am testing them out to give a little review on each.  I'm also going to be doing a Tips, Tricks and Cheats post on the Sleek Contour Kit.  

Now, back to staring at that gorgeous man on Mollie's arm.  It's a hard life being a Saturday...

Hairography.

I had my hair cut last in December and it is due a trim soon, although it hasn't grown back as fast as it normally would have.  With this in mind, i've been looking around at ideas and one of my favourite Saturdays girls (yes, they are my non-guilty pleasure) has had her long golden locks chopped off and now looks more like Sienna Miller than ever.  Mollie King has always had long hair, and flinched at the thought of having a fringe cut in, but Nicky Tours got his hands on her.

As you can see, there's nothing fancy shmancy about this look, but I really like the simplicity.  I wear my hair in a middle parting most days now so I think I could rock it.  

What do you think of Kings new do?

Now, here's a Glee video for all of you Gleeks that got excited by this posts title.    

Slightly Off Topic...

I apologise for the not so fashion blog today but I feel this blog was important enough to put up on here.

Anyone who know's me, knows that I absolutely adore The Saturdays and i'm so happy that they are the face of the 2010 Poppy Appeal. Tomorrow at 10.58am will see Trafalgar Square come to a halt for two minutes of silence remembering those we lost during the world wars and now those we lost out in afghanistan. The girls will be performing a song a few minutes before called 'Here Standing'.

For me, tomorrow, is about remembering my grandpa, whom i hardly knew. He fought for us in World War 2 and he is one of my home grown heroes and I wish he was still here today to tell me all about it. Remember to take those minutes of silence and respect the boys that have fought so hard for us over so many years.